Coast and Hikes (11 Days)

An important regional Hindu temple complex dating back at least to 1000 CE, linked by myth to the Ramayana and the hero-king Rama, and one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region.

Historic cave temple dating to the 1st century BC, with murals depicting the life of Lord Gautama Buddha and hundreds of Buddha and deity figurines across five main caves, including the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. A giant golden Buddha statue stands a short distance outside the cave complex.

The second major capital of Sri Lanka, flourishing between the 10th and 13th centuries AD. Highlights among the ruins include Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu.

A 5th century AD rock fortress built for King Kasyapa, entered through an opening framed by giant lion's paws. The climb takes in the famous unfading murals, terraced gardens, still-working cisterns and tunnels leading to the former palace.

An hour-long performance of traditional Sri Lankan art forms, including fire dancers, sword dancers and Kandyan dancers performing to drumming.

Established in the early 19th century, the gardens hold over 4000 species of plants across avenues of large and rare trees, with highlights including the cannonball tree, a suspension bridge and hedge mazes.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century to house and protect Lord Buddha's sacred tooth, with painted halls, carved pillars and golden statues.

A pre-dawn ascent of Sri Pada, a mountain sacred to Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus alike and a pilgrimage site for over a thousand years, due to a foot-shaped hollow on its summit boulder. After the climb, travellers return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing on to Ella.

A walk through green tea fields and rocky stretches offering views toward Little Adam's Peak.

A walk over the bridge with its history, en route to the Demodara Railway station, noted for its unique loop-over track design.

The second largest national park on the island, on the southeastern coast, home to Sri Lankan leopards, wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan sloth bears and large elephant herds, along with many other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Also known as the Virgin White Tea Factory, with a tour of how the Virgin White Tea is plucked and processed by hand, followed by a tasting of tea and chocolate cake.

A view of fishermen perched on stilts along the coast, with stories of how the craft has been passed down through generations.

A visit on the southwestern coast to learn about five endangered sea turtle species that nest in Sri Lanka and the Turtle Care Program that protects their nests, with a chance to see, touch and feed baby and injured turtles.

A trip off the southern coast of Sri Lanka to see blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales, guided by a naturalist and run with minimal impact on the animals.

A tour of the former Portuguese and Dutch headquarters, one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia, including the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum, the lighthouse and the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names.

A boat ride through mangrove channels, spotting basking crocodiles and water monitors, a stop at an island where cinnamon is harvested, a fish massage, and views of waterbirds in their natural habitat.

A look at the capital's historic monuments, including the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple and the National Museum, along with the shops around Independence Square and the Race Course.